Letters to Editor - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 76,755.05 -715.06NIFTY 23,996.25 -191.45CRUDEOIL 8,422.00+ 272.00GOLD 145,800.00+ 2,917.00SILVER 227,880.00+ 4,101.00SENSEX 76,755.05 -715.06NIFTY 23,996.25 -191.45NIFTY 23,996.25 -191.45CRUDEOIL 8,422.00+ 272.00CRUDEOIL 8,422.00+ 272.00GOLD 145,800.00+ 2,917.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Updated - July 22, 2026 at 09:05 PM.Securing rare earthsApropos the article “Coming to grips with rare earths” (July 22), it is unfortunate that though IREL has been in existence since 1963 and working in the field of rare earth R&D, its mandate has been limited to chemical and foundational process know-how. If only the successive governments in the last 50 years recognised the importance of rare earths, just as Deng Xiaoping of China had, and mandated development of commercial manufacturing know-how and invested in industrial scale infrastructure, India would have been in a better position. India must strive for indigenous technological development and make strategic long term investments in advanced R&D of rare earths and alternative magnet chemistries, at least now.Kosaraju ChandramouliHyderabadPromote SRIAs rice is a major staple food, its cultivation under the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), also known as the Madagascar method, offers significant advantages. It requires only 10-15 per cent of the water used in conventional paddy transplantation, while also reducing seed and labour requirements, improving yields, and minimising weed management.With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable due to El Niño and La Niña, State governments should actively promote mechanised SRI cultivation through appropriate incentives. Conserving water, one of our most precious natural resources, is no longer optional but imperative. Merely advocating good agricultural practices without providing tangible policy support and financial incentives is unlikely to bring about meaningful adoption.Rajiv MagalHalekere Village, KarnatakaDemographic trendThis refers to ‘Stop asking whether the world has too many people’ (July 22). The article rightly shifts focus from population numbers to demographic resilience. India’s growing but ageing population needs long-term planning in healthcare, pensions and skilling, not alarmist debates about numbers. Northern States with continuing high fertility need better access to education and family planning services, while southern States facing ageing workforces need policies that encourage labour force participation and automation. Urban housing and childcare costs deserve as much policy attention as fertility rates.Prajesh ParamasivanNeelambur, TNPublished on July 22, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }